Day Break (2006–2007) User Reviews

"Groundhog day" meets "24"

[pasquett · 8/10 · 19 February 2009]

A good, complex conspiracy at a steady high pace.

It's a shame, but I understand why it was taken of the air after just 6 episodes. It's simply too complex to be "mainstream easy entertainment". Too many leads and entanglements. But when that's said… it's a really good show. I actually had not expected it to be worth watching, but I just had to see what came next and how they would get out of this one. The many angles on the case are brilliant. You very often ask yourself "what would have happened if this and that". Here you actually get the answer to those questions. Well acted on all parts, doesn't make it worse that Moon Bloodgood plays the part as the girlfriend. Loved it. … but kind of hard to make a new season :-)

an intelligent show gets punished for being intelligent

[chrichtonsworld · 8/10 · 24 December 2006]

This show reminded me of a mix between "Groundhog Day" and "Early Edition" After the first episode I thought it was a very interesting story. But to keep a story surprising and exciting while this main character is reliving this particular day would be difficult. And after seeing the first six episodes I was sure this was a good action/drama with a very interesting story. Because you got to see different angles to stories and characters. I couldn't wait till the next episode. Yes,maybe it was a bit far fetched. Only that was part of the fun. Also I liked the idea of getting the chance to correct mistakes you made. Who doesn't want that. What really was brilliant that they showed the different paths and their outcomes,good or bad. This gave the show a very intelligent take on faith and destiny. This show made you think and keep you entertained. In my book that is called a hit. That's why I am really sad to hear that they cancelled this great show! To me it's a big mystery that they keep on broadcasting boring shows like Law and Order and Stargate where they keep repeating the same themes over and over again and killing wonderful shows like this one. Thanks for this show,you made my day. Addendum: Good news!!!! ABC put out the remaining episodes from Day Break on their Website. I have been able to watch all the episodes! The finale was great! Not going to spoil it but it has a touching ending. Do watch this show, you won't regret it.

Promising

[taptele · 7/10 · 20 November 2006]

I found myself engrossed for the whole of the premiere episode, although I had at first been daunted by its 81 minutes.

Although the theme of the repeating day has been done before, I don't agree that this show will become repetitive. I think that there are enough threads to follow to keep it interesting for at least a whole season. The three days in the pilot were all radically different, even though the lead character, Detective Brett Hopper changed only a few decisions in the morning.

I think part of the appeal is the interaction with the audience. Because we kind of know what the story is, we urge Hopper along in the right directions to solve the mystery of his framing. Its like one of those books where you choose your own adventure and there are multiple endings.

There is also an element of the macabre. *How* is it possible that the day repeats itself over and over again? That is a meta-mystery, that lies above the obvious mystery of the murder.

All in all, I think this is an exciting new show, and I cannot wait to see how it plays out.

"Decisions... consequences"

Sorry to see the show go

[farilady-1 · 10/10 · 6 April 2009]

I truly enjoyed this show... I just watch what I just found out to be the last show and I am very disappointed. It was one of the highlights of my week, getting to watch Day Break... I loved the show and am sorry to see its over.

Especially since there are still so many unanswered questions about what was going on.. What about the ex-husband, the crazy guy and the attorney.. There is still so many ways to keep this show going.

Why is it they always pull the good shows and leave the rest of the junk on? It would be awesome to see another season come on this year.... I know I would be watching every week.

day break appears smarter than average

[robert-thompson-2 · 8/10 · 16 November 2006]

I sat engrossed as the pilot episode of Day Break careened through 2 hours of network time. It definitely has an x-files stamp in the writing and the look and intensity of 24. Cast is well chosen and the concept is far out. Feel reserved about how far the content can go without being-ahem-repetitive. Lots of opportunity for new quirky cast members which I hope will be taken into account in future episodes. Don't care for the flash memory cuts, hopefully they will diminish. There are plenty of seeded clues which could go in several directions: ie,I love the scruffy homeless looking guy who pops up twice so far. Will adjust my vote to ten if the show has staying power. Nice Job!

Excellent Show, too bad ABC has it's head up it's butt on this one

[ProfessorMovieMovie · 10/10 · 3 March 2007]

Great show! Characters were interesting and well developed. The writing was above par for TV with a subject that could have come off as just another sci-fi type twist in a mundane crime series. Not so, here.

The murder mystery is interesting on its own and then throwing in the problem of the day repeating and our hero trying to clear his name, made for a very entertaining show.

Too bad, ABC did not pick up another season of this. I watched it all online at ABC.go.com. It played well there especially because you could watch the first ten episodes all in a row.

Maybe they will pick it up and make it their first show exclusively produced for the internet. I doubt it, though. Any TV executives dumb enough to toss this show, won't be smart enough to figure out that most of it's new audience found it online and then capitalize on that.

Good Luck, Mr. Diggs. I will watch anything you produce!

Good show

[turbine2000 · 10/10 · 21 December 2006]

I really enjoyed DayBreak and realized early that if you didn't watch from the beginning you could get left behind. For this reason I never missed an episode. Yea! all 4 episodes :) On paper one might contend that a story line that repeats itself over and over should be easily accessible to first time viewers. In reality however the opposite was true.

The joy of watching the show was knowing the history.

I think the producers were on to the fact that drop-ins would be turned off if they thought they had missed the beginning. I say this because they had the wrong days on just about every episode. For instance every episode had more than one day but even by episode 4 the day was listed at 4 it was more like day 15.

I am sad the show was pulled, ABC promised to put the unaired episodes online but as of yet have not.

I thought Taye Diggs did a great job with the character.

I am 50-50 on whether his injuries carrying over were a good or bad idea.

I will miss the show I gave it a 10

Interesting Enough To Keep Me In It

[justforfunvt · 7/10 · 5 April 2011]

I borrowed this 13-part DVD from our local library without a clue as to what I was going to watch. I gotta tell ya - I was hooked in the first 'Pilot' chapter and then a bit more so in the next 'What If They Run' episode. I soon realized that I was going to be reliving the day along with Det. Hopper (a very competent Taye Diggs), and would be discovering new clues as each day progressed.

And progress nicely they did, albeit in a somewhat quirky manner. Hopper has one person he can always trust in - his partner, Det. Andrea Battle (ably played by Victoria Pratt), but most of his other relationships are suspect at one time or another. That includes his paramour, Rita Shelton (Moon Bloodgood).

The plot is just plain weird - Det. Hopper has been accused of a murder but has an inked-in-blood alibi. Realizing he's being framed, he runs until the end of the day, only to wake and begin the same day all over again, meanwhile adding to his total understanding of the case against him.

Along the way he has a whole gaggle of people either chasing him or trying to put him away (kill him) or wanting to torture the guy ... sheesh, it's like he can't seem to catch a break, ya know?

I wouldn't want to sit through all 13 episodes in one sitting, but spread out over 5 or 6 nights makes for an engrossing experience.

And I suppose I can give it my 'thumbs up.' Yup, I'd watch it again.

I also must admit to enjoying watching Moon Bloodgood walk around in her underwear at the beginning of each episode but I suppose that's just a 'guy' thing...

ANew Vanguard in Television

[Ausir2001 · 10/10 · 3 February 2007]

Perhaps one the jewels in modern TV viewing experience. Day Break has all of the elements to create a cult-like following and it is savvy. As the season (episodes) progress, Day Break exceeds it stereotype genre (Groundhog's Day, Deja Vu, Memento, The Time Machine, Pulp Fiction et al) by evolving through all of its similarities of the aforementioned action- thrillers. Essentially, Brett Hopper, played brilliantly by Taye Diggs, coalesces into all of the central heroic characters of these action dramas,thereby embodying there strengths and vulnerabilities as he attempts to manipulate his micro-environment; ultimately resulting in a dynamic varied sequences of consequential events that re-animate the plot and the rising action/conflict. There can be very convincing arguments that the dynamically evolving plot becomes worthy of an 'Odyssey' with the familiarly essential themes of LOVE, Vengefulness, Sorrow, & Hope. Day Break cannot be viewed or taken casually, as it require the viewer to pay attention to nuances and details otherwise taken completely for granted by very common-like formulaic genre driven TV shows; which in my opinion constitutes at least 85% of TV programming - exception being cable. Perhaps one of the cable networks will place 'correct' value of this brilliant show and continue to produce it into a second season. Lastly, I find that neither Americal Idol, Prison Break, or 24 could ever achieve what Day-Break has in just 13 episodes.

A great original show but ran out of steam

[jimbowalpole · 7/10 · 10 March 2007]

The first few episodes of Day Break had me riveted, it was a rare thing, a thought provoking, original TV show with a great cast, but after a few weeks, it appeared that the show was running out of steam.

The plot didn't have the legs for a 13 episode run, and whilst I was very disappointed that ABC had dropped Day Break so soon, was not entirely surprised, had Day Break been a 6 or 8 Episode season it would have been perfect, but there are only so many permutations for this premise and for me it soon felt tired.

Thankfully the show has aired in the UK and BRAVO will show all 13 episodes, the originality of the show deserves a full run and those that watch all 13 will be rewarded.

A great fill-in, shame ABC pulled it

[Kindall · 8/10 · 25 March 2007]

I thought ABC's programming strategy with Lost this year was brilliant: bunch up the first-run episodes into two batches and commission a one-shot limited series to fill in the gap. Just something that you could enjoy while Lost was on hiatus, a pleasing diversion that had a definite end. Apparently Day Break just couldn't pull the numbers ABC was looking for, though, and not all of the series aired. Fortunately, the network posted the rest of the episodes online.

It's a shame more people won't get to see this; it was good. Not by any means "the best show on television" but well worth watching. Diggs is appealing as Hopper, and the supporting actors, particularly Bloodgood and Baldwin, are solid too. The plot has enough twists and turns to keep even the most careful watcher guessing. Some of it doesn't actually make much sense -- in some episodes, Hopper is off doing things that won't actually stop some of the other bad things in his day from happening, but they somehow don't happen. (Creative license.) Still, unlike Lost, it all actually concludes neatly and satisfyingly.

This kind of show is actually the kind of thing that British television does well. Hardly any British dramas have more than 13 episodes a season, and many come to a definite end after only a season or two. (Example: The second season of Life On Mars is the last.) I think the smaller number of episodes allows for better writing -- Ron Moore of Battlestar Galactica has expressed similar concerns. (Which is probably why Season 4 of Galactica was originally slated to be 13 episodes. Sci-Fi apparently dangled enough of a carrot to get him to agree to 22, though.)

The Brits do it largely because they don't have the budget the American networks do. But I'd completely support any American network that wanted to schedule two 13-episode shows in place of a single 22-episode show. It divides neatly into the calendar year (you get to run each series twice in its entirety, so viewers can catch shows they missed the first time) and gives the viewer a new series to look forward to on a regular basis. At the same time, the network's financial commitment for each individual show is lower, so they're not betting the farm on 22 episodes of one show.

Of course, if they're not willing to do that, ABC's approach is a good compromise. I hope ABC does not let their disappointment with Day Break's ratings scare them away from repeating this scheduling gambit next year with a different show.

Amazing show

[baefild · 7/10 · 2 March 2007]

I fell in love with this show, and now that the series is concluded we can only hope for the best for the cast and crew. That they go forth and produce more brilliant shows such as this one. This series will not be brought back like other great series such as Firefly and Family Guy, now that this one over it will stay over. There is just not any room to bring it back, the final episode gave it a good send off and 'essentially' (for all practical purposes) closed the book. A few questions remained unanswered but not many. This is a great show, and I recommend it to anyone. Think of the thirteen episodes not as a failed TV show, but as a brilliant narrative full of twists and turns that will suck you in and not let you down. Terrific character arcs, plot lines, decisions, and of course consequences. Farewell Day Break, we will miss you.

Absolutely fantastic

[mrocco-1 · 10/10 · 30 November 2006]

I love this show. I've read reviews that say it's too confusing or the plot doesn't make sense. What? It's like watching a movie thriller with someone who keeps asking what's going on without giving it a chance to unfold. YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE A BIT CONFUSED in episode one. By the third episode I basically understand the rules of this game and it's quite an exciting ride. I rarely watch fictional TV but this one hooked me in. Fast paced and a level of comfort that no matter what bad thing happens there is the chance of a 'do over'. I LOVE THAT!!!

I also like the fact that I still don't know who the bad guys are. My thoughts on that change from week to week. I am really intrigued with this one plot per season concept...like a very long mini series or movie. I know there will be a beginning a middle and the 'oh so important' (to me) ending!

Single greatest show of the last decade!

[[e-mail] · 10/10 · 22 March 2007]

Such a fantastic idea, mind blowing plot, original, fresh, well acted by great actors, so gripping you won't be able to stop. And when it ends it'll have you begging for more. The only show that's anywhere close to this one is Lost. I am abhorred by the fact that they decided to cancel it. How? Why? So many shows out there can't even hold a candle to this one, yet they are still airing.. This is seriously strange.. I guess in the end, it's the audience that is responsible.. And it really gets me thinking what kind of people are out there.. As soon as something is a little out of the seen-it-already comfort zone people freak out? Well.. anyway, to all smart people in the world, let's hope it'll be on DVD and if it is don't you miss it! Go to ABC.com and support the show if you like it, we want it back!

probably too smart for the average viewer

[jaredcj · 10/10 · 30 November 2006]

I am afraid Day Break won't be around for long. If this is so, it will be in large part to the fact that it is more cerebral than your average TV show these days. If you miss 15 minutes of the show, it is somewhat difficult to figure out what you missed. If you miss an entire episode, you may as well forget it. This is part of what makes the show terrific, and what well spell its doom in our microwave dinner / reality TV society. I really enjoy the subtle plot twists and turns that accompany each different decision Hopper makes. It is fun to watch as he attempts to assemble the pieces of an ever-changing puzzle of events. If you enjoyed Alias and NYPD Blue (and didn't mind Groundhog Day), then you will love Day Break.

Why

[moggiemcclee · 10/10 · 1 January 2007]

Why has this show been canceled. Finally a show with a little substance, and a story that you actually have to pay attention to follow. I hope this show ends up like Family Guy and is brought back from the grave. This show was immediately my favorite show when it aired.

But now I will never see the end of Hoppers troubles.

Someday, real TV will come back, and all these "Reality" shows will come to an end. There is nothing real about eating bugs, or answering questions while watching women dance on a stage.

Oh well, someday. That's all I hope for is Someday to come soon.

Day Break now available on abc.com

[wendygail2 · 30 January 2007]

I also liked this show very much, and was sad to see it taken off the air. I looked forward to it every week. I like the casting.

It is now available to watch online at abc.com enjoy!

Viewing it online, is a little different from TV, although there are just a couple of commercials in each episode. I hope you are able to find the time to catch the episodes that you missed on TV. I am just rambling in order to complete the guidelines of IMDb. Seems I need 10 lines of text. And I really don't have much else to say. Please let your friends know that this show is now available online.

Thanks for listening/reading my ramblings.! Gail

Decent, could get better, could get worse...time will tell

[pauldonnelly64 · 7/10 · 16 November 2006]

Decent show, with potential to gain a lot of momentum moving forward. Taye Diggs will need to step it up, as he comes off as an amateur actor to me. Concept isn't original, as others have pointed to "Tru Calling", "Groundhog Day" and maybe even "Memento" as points of inspiration for "Day Break", but it's still better than most of what we see these days. As stated in the summary, the show could get better, but it really could get worse. Certainly not an adequate substitute for "Lost", but what would be?

Perhaps it was even better to me after having had to waste 150 minutes of my life watching "Dancing with the Stars" with the family over the previous two nights.

Now THAT is devotion to one's family.

Ahead of its time - Superior

[mustbesober · 10/10 · 21 June 2020]

I come back to this series and really enjoy watching it every few years.

There is something very special in the concept of this show, the believable protagonist, and the execution of scenes that has put this among my most coveted shows.

Humour, mystery and great twists... this series is first class. If you have a chance, settle down with a hot drink and enjoy this wonderfully rare masterpiece.

Gripping series with a conventional ending

[gridoon2024 · 7/10 · 25 June 2014]

I am a big fan of time travel shows ("Tru Calling" is shamefully underrated), so I decided to check out this somewhat forgotten TV series from the mid 2000s. It's a very well-done show that grabs you right from the beginning and never lets you go. There are numerous genuine surprises in the plot, movie-standard action scenes, and actors who clearly have faith in the project and serve it well. However, I found the ending unsatisfying on some levels; at least one very important thing that happens in the final episode should have been explained, but was ignored instead, though I suppose the fact that a second season was planned but never commissioned is a plausible enough excuse for the creators of the show. In any case, we can't judge what might have been, and as it stands "Day Break" gets a solid *** out of 4 from me.

Excellent use of time-loop

[douglas-88 · 9/10 · 7 February 2019]

Hard to find title but well worth looking for. Interesting and captivating story and characters even without the time-looping. If you like Russian Doll you should definitely give Day Break a chance.

want to know

[dtitus99 · 10/10 · 14 January 2007]

I would like to know why they took the show off it was getting really good and I would like to know the ending to the mini series I watched it every week and the show has me wanting to know what is going to happen at the end please bring it back thank you.Taye diggs played the part very well and it is very suspenseful and it gets more and more interesting as the weeks went by I truly want to know what the ending will be. All the other cast played their parts well too! It would be nice to have more shows like daybreak it really wasn't really fear that they cut the show the way they did the show was really worth watching and seeing until the end. The series needs to be put back on and shown from the beginning,because it has been off for so long it only deserves to be shown form the beginning

Day Break shouldn't be dropped by ABC

[lychnood5 · 8/10 · 7 March 2007]

Shame on you ABC for dropping out this AMAZING TV show.

To be honest, when I first decided to watch Day Break was because I didn't have another thing to do, I was without Lost. And it was a great surprise, its a extremely intelligent TV show, with amazing characters, and I must say, Taye Diggs did extremely well on his role of Brett Hopper, a man who was "trapped" on the same day over and over again, a day that never ends, and, this endless day, was a busy day for him, he was being framed for murder, and now he need to prove that wasn't him, the one who murdered a man, a D.A. named Alberto Garza. The thing about the show is, the day keep being looped, will it keep being looped even after he clears his name? And better, will he clear his name? 13 episodes of a interesting, VERY interesting puzzle. But, as a fan, I must to say that, the show had a problem, I imagine, and am sure that Hopper probably wouldn't imagine what, but, why was his day repeating? After watch some episodes, that question was forgotten, so, this big thing, the most weird thing of the show didn't have an answer, that might scared some people away from the show, but still, watch it, you wont regret.

Very Unusual and Great Show

[tlperkins-2 · 9/10 · 28 June 2011]

This show is outstanding. Great plot, great character development. Watch the 1st episode and you feel that have a vested interest in seeing Hopper solve the puzzle that gets larger with each episode. As every great TV series does, each episode leaves you wanting more. You can definitely tell that some of the people involved with "LOST" had a hand in this series. Similar character and plot development. Very clever storyline just as is LOST. Very good selection of actors in this series. Many are unknown but are cast perfectly. A great blend of action, mystery and sci-fi which is always difficult to do without the plot becoming overwhelming. Would have loved to see a 3rd season but could understand how a show of this nature could just go on so long.

Well paced Action-Puzzler, Suitably Replaces Lost

[elcubanocigaro · 9/10 · 15 December 2006]

Day Break is one of those shows that feels doomed to me. They started it to fill the gap between the two halves of the LOST season, and it's running at a time when viewers are known to be distracted. Which is too bad, because Day Break is a great show. The Sci-Fi element is puzzling, and bizarre, but not over the top. Just like in LOST, the viewer finds him/herself puzzling through every twist and turn, and it is exciting and fun.

The acting is outstanding. Taye Diggs is a talent, and everyone else does a great job. The show has managed to create characters that feel real, even though we've only known them for less than a day. The action is exciting and well-paced. For fans of LOST, Day Break is a no-brainer; toss in a little 24 and you're in business.